Pleasantville council approves SRO sharing agreement, hires part‑time officer and awards 3% COLA

Pleasantville City Council on June 17 approved three personnel actions affecting public safety and municipal wages.

The council voted to approve a sharing agreement with the Pleasantville Community School District for a School Resource Officer at 20% of the officer’s time. Mayor Kody Jurgens explained the school board voted to partner with the city; Chief Choat will occupy the position temporarily until Officer Lenger completes academy training. The motion to approve the sharing agreement passed unanimously.

Chief Choat also recommended filling part‑time shift needs by hiring Matt Schneider, a certified reserve officer. The council approved Schneider’s hire and confirmed his pay rate will match certified officers at $28.49 per hour.

On employee compensation, the council debated performance‑based raises versus a cost‑of‑living adjustment and directed Public Works Director Shawn Breazeale to provide deadlines for employees to complete grade levels. The council approved a 3% COLA for all city employees, effective July 1, 2025. The meeting record lists updated hourly rates for named employees (examples provided in the meeting minutes): Adam Choat $43.26/hr.; Shawn Breazeale $42.15/hr.; Rachel Reed $37.78/hr.; part‑time certified officers $29.34/hr.

All three votes passed with all members present voting in favor. The council did not change staffing levels beyond the specific hire and directed staff to implement the wage changes effective July 1.

What happens next: Chief Choat will provide scheduling for the SRO position and HR/payroll staff will implement the 3% COLA effective July 1.